It's the classic festival nightmare. What do you do when a major artist pulls out at the last minute? As a writer you scrap the copy you have already put together on Orbital's Paul Hartnoll (for it was him) and hope that whoever fills the slot saves you a wasted journey. The stage management choose to throw on London breakbeats DJ Tayo (pronounced Ti-oh) and let the rest take care of itself. Tayo may not have been a familiar face to the expectant hoards at the Glade, but his mix of funky breaks, house and electro quickly evaporated any disappointment there may have been about the big name no-show. Not that it appeared to matter to Tayo, who took it all in his stride: "They told me I was going on two minutes before hand" he says with genuine nonchalance. "The previous band was in the middle of it's last song". The man is a real pro' and it is no surprise to learn that he already has an established following in his home town and abroad. In person Tayo is as warm and gregarious a character as his stage manner suggests, but when asked about the tunes that he plays the man becomes quite focussed. "Breaks are really happening right now, but I play what I like". The crowd like it too. It is, without doubt, a blinding set. Our man has us hooked on irresistible beats from start to finish. But then, Tayo's credentials are impeccable. "I do a club called Rooty with Felix from Bassment Jaxx and a guy called Frank Tobe". And influences? "Matthew B of Bushwacka! I work with him also. When he plays, breaks make sense. He's so skilled on the decks too". Tayo also has a mix compilation called Y4K out on Mob records. It is the first in a series the second of which is due out in February of next year. This is a man who clearly loves his work. He smiles at the reaction he is getting and even leaves the decks playing to themselves at one point to chat with one particularly impressed punter. Tayo deserves the adulation; he's done us all proud. Tayo will be playing the Glade again on Sunday at 3pm.

Words: Jamie Walters Pictures: Lovell Fuller